Search - Moxy Fruvous :: Live Noise

Complete chance leads to great musical find!

Colin Grover | Cincinnati, Ohio United States | 12/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While walking the halls of my school, I noticed a CD lying on the ground face down. I picked it up to inspect it and all I saw was an ugly fish-duck looking thing, the words "Live Noise" and the initials "MF." Intrigued, I picked it up and pocketed it, seeing that no one was searching for anything around my area. When I got home and put it into my stereo, I had no idea at all what to expect. The first song (Michigan Militia) came on, begining with the lyrics "I like to keep it in the refrigerator/Let me be your American Gladiator." "Garbage!" Thought I, but I listened on and after that first song, couldn't stop listening. Somewhere in the CD, I heard a skit which gave me the band's name; Moxy Fruvous.Here I am, 3 months later. Not only do I still listen to "Live Noise," but I've bought "Bargainville" and "Wood" since that day and can't get enough. I really don't know how I survived without this band. I'd been a fan of They Might Be Giants since age 10, but in my opinion, these guys rock on a higher level. The silly songs, such as King Of Spain are great, but it's the serious songs that really get me. Horse Shoes, Fly and The Drinking Song are especially beautiful and well-performed. I happen to like the "Live Noise" version of Video Bargainville more than the "Bargainville" original. A lot of the songs, such as King Of Spain and Video Bargainville are faster than their studio-recorded counterparts, which makes the songs even more enjoyable. The skits are funny, the songs are great, what's not to like? The harmonies are clear and well done and the tracks flow smoothly. This is a CD that you can listen to and not do anything else. Just sit in a room by yourself, turn the volume up, and enjoy the music. This CD is calming, inspiring, thought-provoking and a general pleasure, through and through. The only problem I have with the CD is an extremely small one: I don't like the second King Of Spain version. Many do, I don't. What can I say? There are a few Fruvous songs (Gulf War Song, Spiderman, etc.) that I would've liked to hear on this CD, but I guess the producers couldn't fit them ALL on. The Drinking Song is powerful and a great ending to a great cd. It sounds like I'm just on Fruvous' nuts (pardon the expression), but this CD truly deserves all the praise it's been getting. I'm very greatful to that unknown person who dropped their Moxy Fruvous CD 3 months ago and let me experience such a great band.I HIGHLY recommend "Bargainville" by Moxy. I'm listening to it right now.Signing Out, Colin Grover progzimity@yahoo.com(I apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors, as I hadn't spell checked this review)"

An good album, but buy Bargainville first

E. B. Glass | Decatur, GA | 06/08/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a Fruvous fan, I enjoyed this album. I agree with the other reviewers that the best way to experience Fruvous is to see them for yourself -- and this album pales in comparison to one of their live performances. It's amusing to listen to (yes, the between-song banter is funny), and I get a kick out of hearing the audience sing along (um, sometimes), but I don't think this is the best starting point for someone who is interested in learning more about the band. Try Bargainville instead, and get thee to a live show for the real Fruvous experience. Until then, you'll just have to take my word for it."

Everything You Want From a Live Album... And Then Some

Kenneth P. Davis | Silver Spring, MD | 11/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Live albums, at their best evoke the experience of being at a concert. Live Noise does just this. It collects a good selection of Moxy Fruvous' reportoire, also capturing some of the on-stage banter that make their concerts special. It goes beyond this in providing excellent recording quality--the band's brilliant lyrics are easily understood. It's just the right tool for recruiting new folks to come to the next concert. If you get only one Moxy Fruvous CD... this should be it. On the other hand, after you've been to a concert or two, you certainly won't be happy with just one."